As part of a three-team deal with the Padres and Pirates, the Mets acquired lefty starter Joey Lucchesi Monday night.

If you like Steven Matz, you’ll probably dig Lucchesi, too. Both lefties were essentially league average starters in both 2018 and 2019 before falling apart in the Covid season last year. While Matz had an awful year after a promising Spring Training, Lucchesi was bad even in Cactus League play last year. Unlike Matz, Lucchesi spent time at the Padres’ alternate site and was limited to just three games and two starts in 2020. Matz was victimized by the gopher ball last year but Lucchesi didn’t allow a homer. What he did give up was 13 Hits and 2 BB in 5.2 IP, which led to a 7.94 ERA. For what it’s worth – not much in this ultra tiny sample – he had a 3.01 FIP last year.

Lucchesi throws a two-seamer and when right gets a good number of ground ball outs. His primary offspeed pitch is a changeup and he also mixes in a cutter. Lucchesi’s first two years in the majors (’18-’19) he amassed 303 Ks in 293.2 IP. There’s definitely talent here and 2020 is something of a mystery. There were no reports immediately available about an injury.

As you might expect from a lefty who’s had MLB success and still has three years of control, the cost was not cheap. The Mets sent switch-hitting catcher Endy Rodriguez to the Pirates to get Lucchesi. Rodriguez split 2019 between the DSL and the GCL, putting up a .293/.393/.453 line in 89 PA in his U.S. debut as a 19 year old. Rodriguez also played 1B and the OF, so it’s far from certain he’ll remain behind the plate. Still, MLB.com had him as the Mets’ 14th-best prospect.

14 comments on “Mets acquire LHP Joey Lucchesi from Padres

  • Brian Joura

    FanGraphs indicates he has two options remaining, which seems extra important to the club this year.

  • NMK

    Rodriguez has interesting numbers, but he’s still several steps from the majors and is already older than the average player. If the Mets can work any magic with Lucchesi, they’re geniuses. Otherwise, this has exposed one-trick pony written all over it.

  • David Klein

    Like the move Lucchesi has decent upside at least is good depth and has four years of control and has minor league options left.

  • Mike W

    I think Lucchesi was a good pickup. Good for depth and good for competition for the rotation. Left handers could also be good for the bullpen.

  • HOF19

    I have noticed that Sandy like to get 2-3 Starters with 4.00-4.50 ERA’s and (if he can……Luchesi seems to have options)put them on the Minor league or Non-roster-invitee list……Basically Sandy likes starting pitching depth even if it is at the AAA level……It is an idea I like !!!!!……..Lets Go Mets !

  • David Klein

    Amazing how with Jeff gone nothing ever gets leaked

  • Woodrow

    Pitching,pitching,pitching. Sign one more guy who figures to be decent or better (Wainwright,Quintana) and one solid reliever (Hand).

  • TJ

    Time will tell as with all moves, and dealing another mid-level prospect can be debated, but the makes lots of sense. Lucchesi is no more iffy than Matz, and the combination of his low cost and two options is critical. This is exactly how you make up the high level prospect dearth while simultaneously strengthening the back end of the 40 man roster with pitching depth. Lastly, it opens the possibility of adding both Springer and Hand while staying under the luxury tax.

  • Metsense

    Lucchesi is a young starting pitcher that has experience, two options and is team controlled until 2025. This was a good depth move for a starving team that is thin on starting pitchers.

  • HOF19

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  • Jam

    A decent gamble. If he can return to the guy he was when he first came up, that’s a nice pitcher to have.

  • Name

    Do the Padres know something about Lucchesi’s health that they aren’t telling other teams?

    He’s still pre-arb, has options remaining, and was handled with kid gloves in 2018-2019 so that means they thought highly of him, yet they traded him away for just an intriguing lottery ticket.

    Well, let’s hope the Mets medical staff has been revamped under Cohen and will catch something if there’s wrong, otherwise this seems like another solid trade – two in a row!

  • Edwin e Pena

    This move tells me that Mets will not spend big dollars to what would amount to be perhaps the 5th man in the rotation. That $ is for Springer and Hand, so as to complete the offseason and go to Port St Lucie. The rotation will be Degrom, Carrasco, Stroman, Peterson and the winner of the new guy, Lucchesi vs Matz competition. Two lefties in the rotation. Like that. A return by Thor bumps whomever is ineffective at that time, or injured.
    This also brings Lugo back to the BP.
    The BP will also be set & done with Hand. Diaz,May,Lugo,Familia,Hand,Castro,Betances, and either Matz or Lucchesi. Wish they found taker for Familia, which would free up more $.

  • Rob

    Im reading elsewhere padres fans really liked this guy but didnt do a good job mixing up his pitches.

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